[8.0/10 on a post-classic Simpsons scale] Two in a row for Season 29! While this one didn’t have the heart of the previous Selman-run episode, it had a number of excellent laughs (the pets kissing was silly and hah-worthy) and both a strong A-story and B-story.
The A-story, about Maggie being an excellent whistler and Homer worrying about the dangers of her being a child star was a little rushed, but still a winner. Details like Grampa’s whistling past and the jabs at the usual child star trajectory were well-done. And the finish, with Maggie’s whistling skills suffering because of her growing a tooth, and then Homer affirming his love for her, worked well too. Plus, I like Lisa freaking out that Maggie might be more talented than her.
The B-story, about Marge feeling underappreciated in her sense of style thanks to Helen Lovejoy and friends, and ending up unwittingly designing a mob bordello, was out there but fun. It has the core of something relatable -- that insecurity -- which provides a good motivation for all the Fat Tony-related developments, and a nice spine to hang the gags on.
Overall, a strong episode that shows the series can still put out good episodes this late in its run.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParent2017-10-20T14:07:22Z
[8.0/10 on a post-classic Simpsons scale] Two in a row for Season 29! While this one didn’t have the heart of the previous Selman-run episode, it had a number of excellent laughs (the pets kissing was silly and hah-worthy) and both a strong A-story and B-story.
The A-story, about Maggie being an excellent whistler and Homer worrying about the dangers of her being a child star was a little rushed, but still a winner. Details like Grampa’s whistling past and the jabs at the usual child star trajectory were well-done. And the finish, with Maggie’s whistling skills suffering because of her growing a tooth, and then Homer affirming his love for her, worked well too. Plus, I like Lisa freaking out that Maggie might be more talented than her.
The B-story, about Marge feeling underappreciated in her sense of style thanks to Helen Lovejoy and friends, and ending up unwittingly designing a mob bordello, was out there but fun. It has the core of something relatable -- that insecurity -- which provides a good motivation for all the Fat Tony-related developments, and a nice spine to hang the gags on.
Overall, a strong episode that shows the series can still put out good episodes this late in its run.